Does coming to know Christ require suffering before hand?

[InquisitorKind]

Yes, this is an open question with little qualifications, so don't ask for more clarification unless you would really like to answer and need the clarification to provide one.

The reason I've left it open is because I know a number people who would answer yes to this question. I'm hoping some of you at TWEB are of similar mind.

Just give me your thoughts; I'm looking for anything right now.

Thanks so much,
~Matt Schultz

[nomad]

considering that it's near impossible to go through life without experiencing at least personal suffering, i don't see the need for the requirement.

i don't see any scriptural reason why you should have to suffer though before becoming a christian. your background really doesn't matter, only your faith.

unless there is some reason faith can only come through suffering?

[lostseptember]

Coming to know Christ was a very long , very difficult road for me. But, I know many people for whom it was as easy as breathing. My vote would be no.

[GrayPilgrim]

"If we are to share in his glory we must also share in his sufferings" This and similar extrapolations is quoted by Paul numerous times. So I would say the requirement is suffering after coming to know Christ.

Gp

[Socrates]

Suffering is surely a type of human work, so how can it be a requirement for salvation, which is by grace through faith NOT by works (Ephesians 2:8-9).

The passages about suffering were talking about the reality of the Christian walk in this world. We live in a cursed creation because of Adam's sin, so death and suffering are normal (see AiG’s Why is there Death & Suffering? booklet (http://www.answersingenesis.org/docs2002/0114death_booklet.asp) and the followup Q&A). And since the World loves darkness and hates the Light, persecution is also the norm.

[InquisitorKind]

Thanks for the answers everyone.

I'll be pondering this and letting you know if I have futher questions.

Thanks again,
~Matt Schultz

[Xmansmommy]

Matt,
I don't necessarily know if I have any real thoughts on this topic one way or the other, as I have never really considered it. I can speak from my own personal experience, however. I found that in my life, long before I ever got saved, I had some very, very painful sufferings. It was during those times that I questioned of course, "what's it all for?" Shamefully, I sought God in prayer only in those times of need. Is it a pre-requisite to coming to Christ? My first thoughts would be no. But it certainly didn't hurt any. :xmm: Have a blessed day!

In Him,
Linda

[djdavo]

i would say 'no' as a requirement,

BUT i think if you said 'yes', it would apply to 99% of the people
that have become christians. most of us need to learn the hard way, IMO. :smile:

[kilnerad]

The concept of grace means that we do not have to suffer in order to know Christ. The concept of grace means that when the servant screws up the King suffers. When we do things wrong, God suffers. That's why Jesus died on the cross, because of the concept of Grace.

Theologically, Grace is getting something you don't deserve without expectation of having to give anything back.

The idea of a son demanding his inheritance and going to a far away country, wasting his money, and then returning home in dire straits to a father who holds no grudge whatsoever, is one of the greatest stories of grace. It is because the son, in our eyes, deserves to be treated poorly, and is given a robe and a ring and a feast in his honour. He doesn't deserve this, but his father gives it to him without the expectation of anything from his son. Incredible.